The trek itself is rated moderate, similar to the Inca Trail. There are, however, one pass over 4000m so it is essential that you are well acclimatized to the altitude. If arriving from sea level then plan on spending at least 2 days in Cusco and the surroundings before undertaking the trek. This 4-day newly developed itinerary offers an outstanding combination of amazing mountain scenery in a remote area and visits to authentic Quechua communities such as Wacawasi, Willog, and Patacancha and reaches Aguas Calientes on the third day. The last day is devoted to the visit of the impressive Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.To have the best experience we combine interaction with the local people and use their Llamas to carry all the camping gear and our backpacks, how ancient Andean people did.
This trek takes us into the Lares region of the Peruvian Andes, passing green valleys, tranquil mountain lakes and high passes, with breathtaking views of snow-capped Andean peaks rising to just under 6,000 meters. Our route takes us through many small village communities that offer a rare & fascinating insight into traditional Andean life. Finally we make our way by train to Aguas Calientes and continue on to Machu-Picchu, the legendary Lost City of the Incas. We have plenty of time to explore this renowned and fascinating site, climb to Huayna Picchu, walk to Sun-Gate etc.
We take small groups, why?
The principal reason to take small groups in the inca trail to machu picchu, is to provide personalized service, in a small group is easy to keep walking together and enjoy the nature of the inca trail, there is a possibility to make friend and share experiences, interacting more closely with each other. Whereas, in larger groups from (10 – 16) people it trend to split into factions. Moreover, in larger groups tends to be a sizeable difference often over onehour in a section of the trail between the fastest andslowest member, what makes more difficult for the guides, cooks and porters to make their effective labors. In small groups, people are more likely to arrive at roughly the same time to hear the guide’s explanations. Also our porters are given the same food as the tourists. In larger groups agencies often provide inferior food for the porters. Smallgroups require less space in campsites and this enables the guide to select better locations. In small groups the guide, cook and porters have a more intimate relationship with the tourists and are better able to meet individual needs and attend to environmental issues such as waste disposal, contamination, etc. as the group will be together more of the time. Because of these reason in our standard service we take small groups, only in a group of friends and delegations we manage larger group. So choose small group.
What are the benefits of doing a private tour?
One of the main reasons why the private option is sought after is because you do not need to worry about which dates we have departures set for or if our departures have enough space…Your only concern is whether or not there are permits available…You can choose almost any date that you want if permits are available… In addition to the convenience and flexibility in booking, the private option provides a more personal trip experience for your group. We will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel….The guide will focus all of his energy and attention on your group. You can also be more specific about the foods that you would like to be served during the trek. It is a truly wonderful experience to go on such an amazing journey with only your friends and loved ones. Ask at South Adventure Peru Tours how you can arrange your own private tour.
What to Bring/ Carry:
- Original passport to be showed in the park control of Machu Picchu (Day 4).
- Original and valid International Student Card (ISIC), only if you booked the trek as student.
- Hiking boots (waterproof)in the dry season only sneakers
- Long pants or slacks & Warm sleeping bag Minus 20ºC
- A Daypack (for your personal porters we provide a duffle bag)
- Long-sleeved shirts to prevent you from the sunburn.
- T-shirts and Thermal underwear can be worn in the sleeping bag or cold conditions.
- Warm clothes , layers for variable temperature especially at night
- Sweaters and a jacket (something warm for the night).
- Gloves or Mittens, scarf, Wool socks, Woolen hat for cold nights.
- Rain wear or poncho for the rainy season December - April
- Camera with extra batteries and flash light , head torch and extra batteries
- Bottle of water, more bottle of water can be purchase at Aguas Calientes town.
- Snack (dried fruits, chocolates, etc).
- Insect repellent to protect you from mosquitoes along the Trail
- Hat and sun block to protect you from the sun.
- Personal toilette items and personal medical kit.
- 2 Liter water bottle, disposable plastic bottles are forbidden along the hike.
- Water purifying tablets optional, since we provide boiled water.
- Bathing clothes for the hot springs in Lares and Aguas Calientes.
- Extra money for drinks and tips , souvenirs in Soles
- First Aid kit (Band-Aids,cotton,bandages,alcohol,aspirin,tablets for stomach troubles, medicines to avoid altitude sickness)
- Big bottle of Oxygen for the highest mountain
- Day pack is good to bring to carry your camera, water, rain jacket.
- Swimsuit (On the last day there is possibilities to swim on the hot spring of Aguas Calientes – only if time permit).
